Articles of Footwear

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear that includes a sole and an upper attached to the sole. The upper comprises at least one alterable portion that switches between at least a first state and a second state upon exposure to a liquid. The first state allows viewing of a first image of the alterable portion and second state allowing viewing of a second image of the alterable portion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application 61/359,415, filed on Jun. 29, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to articles of footwear.

BACKGROUND

In general, shoes, a type of articles of footwear, include an upper secured to a sole. The upper and the sole together define a void that is configured to hold a human foot. Often, the upper and/or the sole are/is formed from multiple layers that can be stitched or adhesively bonded together. For example, the upper portion can be made of a combination of leather and fabric, or foam and fabric, and the sole can be formed from at least one layer of natural rubber. Often materials are chosen for functional reasons, e.g., water-resistance, durability, abrasion-resistance, and breathability, while shape, texture, and color are used to promote the aesthetic qualities of the shoe.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides articles of footwear (e.g., shoe, boot, sandal, etc.) having at least one alterable portion that can change between two or more colors or change between opaque and transparent states upon exposure to a liquid, such as water. The alterable portion can be arranged on the articles of footwear to provide changing designs. For example, the articles of footwear may depict a first design while dry and then a second design while wet, via the alterable portions.

One aspect of the disclosure provides an article of footwear that includes a sole and an upper attached to the sole. The upper comprises at least one alterable portion that switches between at least a first state and a second state upon exposure to a liquid. The first state allows viewing of a first image of the alterable portion and the second state allowing viewing of a second image of the alterable portion.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following features. In some implementations, the first and second images comprise different colors. The alterable portion may display a first image in the first state and a second image in the second state. In some examples, the alterable portion comprises at least one of a hydrochromatic ink and a water-metachromatic laminate.

In some implementations, the alterable portion is opaque in the first state and at least substantially transparent in the second state (if not completely transparent). The alterable portion may display a first image in the first state and allow viewing of a second image in the second state. The second image can be disposed on the upper underneath the alterable portion. In some examples, the alterable portion is formed integral with the upper; while in other examples, the alterable portion comprises a thread stitched to the upper. For example, the upper may include a woven material and the alterable portion may comprise a yarn woven into at least one portion of the woven material. In yet additional examples, the alterable portion comprises an ink applied to the upper.

In some implementations, the sole includes at least one alterable portion. The alterable portion may be formed integral with the sole and/or comprise an ink applied to the sole.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides an upper for an article of footwear that includes at least one alterable portion. The alterable portion changes between at least a first, dry state and a second, wet state upon exposure to a liquid. The alterable portion is opaque in the first, dry state and displays a first image. The alterable portion is at least substantially transparent in the second, wet state and allows viewing of a second image disposed on the upper underneath the alterable portion.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following features. In some implementations, the alterable portion comprises at least one of a hydrochromatic ink and a water-metachromatic laminate. The alterable portion and the second image may be formed integral with the upper. Additionally, the alterable portion may include a thread stitched to the upper. For example, the upper may comprise a woven material and the alterable portion may include a yarn woven into at least one portion of the woven material. In other examples, the alterable portion comprises an ink applied to the upper. The ink may comprise rubber resin, organic pigment, and Toluene.

The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary article of footwear having at least one alterable portion.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are opposite side views of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an exemplary alterable portion that may be applied to an article of footwear.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. By way of example only, all of the drawings are directed to an article of footwear suitable to be worn on a left foot. The invention includes also the mirror images of the drawings, i.e. an article of footwear suitable to be worn on a right foot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in some implementations, an article of footwear 10 includes a sole assembly 100 and an upper assembly 200 attached to the sole assembly 100. Together, the sole assembly 100 and the upper assembly 200 define a void 20 configured to securely and comfortably hold a human foot. The upper assembly 200 has a forefoot portion 202 and a heel portion 204. Although the example shown illustrates a shoe, the article of footwear 10 may be configured as other types of articles of footwear, including, but not limited to boots, sandals, flip-flops, etc. The upper assembly 200 can be constructed from a water-proof material.

As shown in the examples of FIGS. 1-8, the upper assembly 200 includes at least one alterable portion 300 disposed on the forefoot and/or heel portions 202, 204. Multiple alterable portions 300 can be arranged in a design or randomly dispersed about the upper assembly 200. The alterable portion 300 is configured to switch between at least first and second states, for example dry and wet states, for displaying or allowing viewing of different colors, images, designs, etc. of the alterable portion 300 and/or the upper assembly 200.

The alterable portion 300 may be formed integral with the upper assembly 200 or separately attached to the upper assembly 200. In examples using woven materials for the upper assembly 200, the alterable portion 300 may comprise or be applied to threads or yarns woven into at least one portion of the woven material. In examples using the alterable portion 300 in a thread form, the alterable portion 300 can be stitched onto the upper assembly 200. For molded components of the upper assembly 200, the alterable portion 300 can be molded integral with any of molded components (e.g., via injection molding, double-shot injection molding, etc.). Moreover, in additional examples, the alterable portion 300 may comprise an ink, solution, or material (solid or liquid) painted, applied or adhered to the upper assembly 200.

In some implementations, the alterable portion 300 comprises a material or composition (solid or liquid) applied to the upper assembly 300 that changes state upon exposure to a liquid, such as water or moisture. For example, application of water to the alterable portion 300 activates the alterable portion 300 to change between at least two states, where each state displays or allows viewing of a different color, design, image, or arrangement of viewable items.

In a first state, the alterable portion 300 may display a first color or image 302, while in a second state, the alterable portion 300 may display a second color or image 304 (FIG. 1). The alterable portion 300 may change between states upon exposure to water or some other liquid and/or upon drying. As such, the alterable portion 300 may have a dry state for displaying the first color or image 302 and a wet state for displaying the second color or image 304. The alterable portion 300 may comprises a hydrochromatic ink, a water-metachromatic laminate, or other suitable water activated state changing material that is applied to the upper assembly 200. Moreover, the alterable portion 300 may undergo a reversible chemical reaction upon exposure to water to change between the first and second states.

Referring to FIG. 5, in some implementations, the alterable portion 300 switches or changes between an opaque state and a transparent or substantially transparent state. The alterable portion 300 may change states based on a level of dryness or wetness. For example, the alterable portion 300 may have a dry, opaque state for displaying a color or image 302 and a wet state in which the alterable portion 300 becomes transparent or substantially transparent for allowing viewing of a display portion 210 of the upper assembly 200 underneath the alterable portion 300. The display portion 210 may include a second color or image 304 viewable under the alterable portion 300 in the transparent state.

In some examples, the alterable portion 300 may switch between the dry, opaque state and the wet, transparent state at a threshold level of wetness (e.g., about 50% saturation), which may be between an opaque moisture level (e.g., about 100% saturation) and a transparent moisture level (e.g., less than 30% saturation). The alterable portion 300 may be comprised of rubber resin, organic pigment, and Toluene (e.g., 1% Toluene).

Referring to FIG. 9, the alterable portion 300 may include a base layer 310 and an optional porous layer 320 configured to allow passage of water therethrough onto the base layer 310. The porous layer 320 may be used to protect and/or hold the base layer 310 in location. In the dry state, the base layer 310 is opaque and may display a color or image 302; however, upon exposure to water (e.g., received through the porous layer 320), the base layer 310 changes to a wet state and becomes transparent or substantially transparent. The process of changing between the dry, opaque state and the wet, transparent state can be achieved in a number of ways. In some examples, the base layer 310 undergoes a reversible chemical reaction with the water to change opacity. In additional examples, the base layer 310 undergoes a reversible change in crystalline structure that corresponds to a level of opacity.

In some implementations, the base layer 310 includes noncrystalline, amorphous (amorphous-powder) silicic acid (e.g., a wet-process fine-particle silicic acid obtained by liquid phase reaction such as decomposition of sodium silicate with an acid). The wet-process fine-particle silicic acid has a two-dimensional structure moiety in which silicic acid is condensed to form a long molecular arrangement, which can provide irregular light reflection properties, and hence different levels of opacity. In order to adjust a level of opacity of the base layer 310 in normal conditions and a level of transparency in a liquid-absorbed condition of the base layer 310, pigments having a low refractive index may used in combination with the wet-process fine-particle silicic acid.

In additional implementations, the base layer 310 comprises an ink or dye coating. The ink or dye coating may include cobalt chloride as a color changing agent with alcohol as a carrier and cellulose derivatives as a binder to effectuate a reversible color change at various moisture levels.

Referring again to FIG. 8, in some implementations, the sole assembly 100 includes at least one alterable portion 300. The alterable portion 300 may be formed integral with the sole assembly 100 or separately attached. For molded components of the sole assembly 100, the alterable portion 300 can be molded integral with molded component (e.g., via injection molding, double-shot injection molding, etc.). Moreover, in additional examples, the alterable portion 300 may comprise an ink, solution, or material (solid or liquid) applied or adhered to the sole assembly 100. Alterable portions 300 on the sole assembly 100 may be configured the same or differently from alterable portions on the upper assembly 200.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. 

1. An article of footwear comprising: a sole; and an upper attached to the sole, the upper comprising at least one alterable portion; wherein the alterable portion switches between at least a first state and a second state upon exposure to a liquid, the first state allowing viewing of a first image of the alterable portion and the second state allowing viewing of a second image of the alterable portion.
 2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first and second images comprise different colors.
 3. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the alterable portion displays a first image in the first state and a second image in the second state.
 4. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the alterable portion comprises at least one of a hydrochromatic ink and a water-metachromatic laminate.
 5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the alterable portion is opaque in the first state and at least substantially transparent in the second state.
 6. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein the alterable portion displays a first image in the first state and allows viewing of a second image in the second state, the second image disposed on the upper underneath the alterable portion.
 7. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the alterable portion is formed integral with the upper.
 8. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the alterable portion comprises a thread stitched to the upper.
 9. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper comprises a woven material and the alterable portion comprises a yarn woven into at least one portion of the woven material.
 10. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the alterable portion comprises an ink applied to the upper.
 11. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the sole comprises at least one alterable portion.
 12. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the alterable portion is formed integral with the sole.
 13. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein the alterable portion comprises an ink applied to the sole.
 14. An upper for an article of footwear, the upper comprising at least one alterable portion changing between at least a first, dry state and a second, wet state upon exposure to a liquid, the alterable portion being opaque in the first, dry state and displaying a first image, the alterable portion being at least substantially transparent in the second, wet state allowing viewing of a second image disposed on the upper underneath the alterable portion.
 15. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the alterable portion comprises at least one of a hydrochromatic ink and a water-metachromatic laminate.
 16. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the alterable portion and second image are formed integral with the upper.
 17. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the alterable portion comprises a thread stitched to the upper.
 18. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the upper comprises a woven material and the alterable portion comprises a yarn woven into at least one portion of the woven material.
 19. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the alterable portion comprises an ink applied to the upper.
 20. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein the ink comprises rubber resin, organic pigment, and Toluene. 